Find the Best Taproom POS for Your Craft Brewery
Opening a taproom is a dream come true for many craft brewers. However, managing the day-to-day operations of a taproom can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools in place. Finding the best taproom POS system is essential for keeping your business organized and on track. In this guide, we will cover what a taproom POS system is, why craft brewers need one, and what features to look for to find the best POS system for your brewery.
What a Taproom POS System Is (and Isn't)
A taproom POS system is not a simple cash register. Modern POS systems have evolved to become key management systems for your business. Based on tablet computers, internet cloud-based services and mobile technology, they offer far more functionality than a traditional cash register. These systems allow you to manage all aspects of your business, from sales and inventory to bookkeeping and employee management, all in one place.
While it may seem daunting at first to be working with such a powerful system, it is important to remember that the best taproom POS will help you become a better business owner. It will make it easier for you to stay organized and avoid headaches later. When you find the best taproom POS system, you can focus on what you love to do - brewing amazing beers - while the POS system takes care of all the behind-the-scenes work.
Why Craft Brewers Need a Taproom POS
Craft brewers open a taproom to share their passion for beer with others, but it is important to remember that running a taproom is also a business. Finding the best taproom POS will help you stay organized and in the black, allowing you to sustain your passion and profit from it. Without a clear strategy for bookkeeping, tracking sales, and inventory, a "dream come true" taproom can quickly become a nightmare.
A taproom POS system is essential for keeping track of sales, inventory, and expenses. It will give you valuable insights into what products are selling well and which ones aren't, allowing you to make informed decisions about your inventory. Additionally, it will help you keep track of your expenses and manage your bookkeeping, making it easier to file your taxes and stay compliant with regulations.
Key Business Management Features of a Taproom POS
The best taproom POS system will have several key business management features to help you stay on track. These include:
- Sales reporting: A taproom POS system should provide detailed insight into what sells, what doesn't, and how much profit you're making off of every keg. This information is invaluable when it comes to making decisions about your inventory and pricing.
- Bookkeeping and taxes: A good taproom POS system will save all of your data in auto-formatted reports that you can access and download at any time to send to your accountant. This will save you time and money on bookkeeping and make it easier to file your taxes.
- Inventory tracking: A taproom POS system should provide instant access to your inventory information at all times. This will allow you to quickly check on the status of your inventory and plan production as needed.
- Employee time management: Many POS systems also include employee timecard and payroll functionality to help you navigate labor requirements and keep records. This will make it easier to manage your employees and stay compliant with regulations.
The Best Taproom POS Features for Craft Brewers
Beyond business management enhancements, the best taproom POS system will also perform well at its core function: taking, making, and paying for orders. Here are some of the advanced features that will set you apart from the competition:
- Tap-to-pay credit card terminals: Also known as "Apple Pay." This feature allows guests to use their phone to open a tab or check out, enhancing convenience. This feature allows for a more contactless payment process and reduces the need for guests to physically hand over their credit card.
- Saved bar tabs: This feature eliminates the need for bartenders to keep credit cards for open tabs, reducing the risk of lost cards and drink and dash scenarios. With this feature, bartenders can run their card and give it back to the guest, allowing bartenders to close the tab even if the guest has left.
- Sign-on-screen: Save costs on paper receipts and reduce waste by allowing guests to sign for their orders on the screen. This feature also allows for easy tracking of tips, as all tips are automatically applied to the transaction rather than being manually entered later.
- Customer database: This feature saves your custom contact information and associated order history in the cloud. This data is considered gold for every business, allowing you to understand your customer’s buying habits and improve personalization of service.
- Integration with accounting software: A taproom POS system that integrates with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero will make it easier for you to manage your finances and keep track of your income and expenses.
Advanced Taproom POS Functions to Grow Your Brewery Business
Finding the best taproom POS also includes modern marketing and promotional tools to help you grow your customer base and increase revenue. Some of these advanced features include:
- Gift Cards: Gift cards are a great way to promote your brand and guarantee return visits. Look for a POS system that includes gift cards as part of your monthly service to avoid additional costs and headaches associated with trying to get separate systems to work together.
- VIP Club Cards: Create a loyalty program for your most dedicated customers by starting a beer fans club with membership rewards. This will help you cultivate a cult following among your most loyal customers.
- Loyalty Rewards: Reward your loyal customers with bonus perks such as free beer or branded swag. This will encourage repeat visits and increase customer loyalty.
- Email and Notification Tools: Use email and notification tools to keep your customers informed of special promotions and events, which will help increase foot traffic to your taproom.
Modern Conveniences for Taprooms
To find the best taproom POS, expect more. In addition to the basic functions, what sets one taproom POS system apart from the next is how they handle the core functions you'll be using every day in the bar to take and make orders. Some of these modern conveniences include:
- Order Management: A great taproom POS should be optimized for speed of entry and easy checkout. Support for beer flights is a unique function that your taproom POS should have.
- Easy Order Splitting: Sometimes large parties want to pay separately or people want to buy drinks for each other. Your taproom POS should have a way to manage splitting checks and moving items from one tab to another.
- Automated Happy Hours: Instead of relying on the memory of bartenders to apply happy hour discounts consistently, look for a POS system that automatically applies happy hour rules to qualifying drinks.
Avoid These Pitfalls When Choosing a Taproom POS
When finding the best taproom POS system for your brewery, there are some important things to avoid. These include:
- Ballooning costs: Many POS companies offer "free" hardware or artificially low introductory rates. Make sure you understand what your costs will be over the life of the contract you're signing. You may be surprised to learn that costs can balloon after the first year.
- "Free" features: Some POS companies bundle add-ons for the first year that cost hundreds of dollars later. Make sure "free" is truly free to make an informed decision.
- Excessive credit processing fees: If the company is offering free POS equipment, installation, and service, they are making money somewhere else, often through credit processing fees. Make sure the rate you are quoted is locked in for the life of your contract, otherwise they can raise fees whenever they want.
- Poor customer service: This is probably the most frustrating pitfall to avoid. You don't want to be stuck dealing with unresponsive customer service that gives cut-and-paste answers. Make sure to investigate the company's customer service reputation before signing a contract.
Finding The Best Taproom POS For You
It is important to consider what is best for you – Your specific business needs, and the features that will best serve you. The best taproom POS system should provide key business management features, advanced ordering features, and be easy to use for both you and your guests. By carefully considering these factors, you can find the best taproom POS system that will help you run your business smoothly and sustain your passion for craft brewing.
Conclusion
Overall, finding the best taproom POS vital for craft brewers who want to open a taproom and keep it running smoothly. With the right point of sale in place, you can focus on brewing great beer while your POS system takes care of all the behind-the-scenes work. By considering the key business management features, advanced ordering features, and ease of use, you can find the best taproom POS for your brewery, and ensure that your endeavor is a success.
